U.S. patent application number 10/594283 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for production method and filter comprising non woven fabric and/or filtering injector structures or sheets which are obtained using said method and which are intended for the filtration and which are intended for the filtration and elimination of legionella pneumofila in any installation at risk from l.
Invention is credited to Joaquin Espuelas Penalva.
Application Number | 20070202770 10/594283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35056016 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070202770 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Penalva; Joaquin Espuelas |
August 30, 2007 |
Production Method and Filter Comprising Non Woven Fabric and/or
Filtering Injector Structures or Sheets Which are Obtained Using
Said Method and Which are Intended for the Filtration and Which are
Intended for the Filtration and Elimination of Legionella
Pneumofila in any Installation at Risk From Legionella Pneumofila
Proliferation
Abstract
The invention relates specifically to the physical and chemical
characteristics of an air and liquid filter which is intended to
trap bacteria and eliminate same. The inventive fabric is
manufactured from a fabric comprising non woven type fabrics and/or
injected filtering structures or sheets, i.e. which have been
obtained by manipulating synthetic artificial fibres using
processes that lead to the formation of a lap which, following
other industrial operations that are described later, is converted
into the non woven fabric or, alternatively, using injection
processes into the injected structures or sheets.
Inventors: |
Penalva; Joaquin Espuelas;
(Logrono, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ralph A. Dowell of DOWELL & DOWELL P.C.
2111 Eisenhower Ave
Suite 406
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
35056016 |
Appl. No.: |
10/594283 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
March 23, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ES05/00156 |
371 Date: |
September 26, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
442/337 ;
156/379.8; 442/361; 442/415 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 8/28 20210101; B01D
39/16 20130101; Y10T 442/611 20150401; Y02P 80/10 20151101; Y10T
442/697 20150401; Y10T 442/637 20150401; B01D 39/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
442/337 ;
442/361; 442/415; 156/379.8 |
International
Class: |
D04H 13/00 20060101
D04H013/00; D04H 1/00 20060101 D04H001/00; B27G 11/02 20060101
B27G011/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 26, 2004 |
ES |
P200400749 |
Aug 18, 2004 |
ES |
P20042048 |
Mar 22, 2005 |
ES |
P200500665 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2-27. (canceled)
28. A filter for filtration and elimination of Legionella
Pneumofila in any installation at risk from Legionella Pneumofila
proliferation comprising: a non woven fabric formed from
artificial, synthetic fibers cut or in monofilaments and their
mixtures previously treated with anti-bacterial compounds; wherein
the fibers are selected from a group consisting of: a) natural
polymer chemical fibers which have or have not been modified, b)
synthetic polymer chemical fibers, c) glass fibers, d) carbon
fibers, e) other fibrous materials, f) bicomponents, and g)
polycomponents.
29. A filter for filtration and elimination of Legionella
Pneumofila in any installation at risk from Legionella Pneumofila
proliferation of claim 28 wherein: said non woven fabric is formed
from a mixture two or more fibers and wherein said mixture of two
or more fibers is in a proportion of 0.5 to 99.5%.
30. A filter for filtration and elimination of Legionella
Pneumofila in any installation at risk from Legionella Pneumofila
proliferation of claim 28 wherein: said fibers have a fiber
thickness in the range of 0.02 to 1,500 deniers; a cross section
selected from a group consisting of: circular, square, elliptical,
hollow, trilobal, flat and similar; a length in the range of 0.1 mm
to 500 mm or continuous filaments; a density in the range of
thicknesses of 0.1 to 15 cm; a weight in the range of from 5 to
2,500 grams; a fusion point in the range of from 60.degree. C. to
450.degree. C.; and a range in color from translucent/white to
black and any combinations thereof.
31. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation comprising: selecting fibers
which has previously been treated with an antibacterial additive;
weighing said selected fibers from a group of said fibers in a
fiber mixture; mixing said selected fibers; forming a web or felt
layer from said selected fibers; superimposing several of said web
or felt layers from said selected fibers; joining one or more of
said web or felt layers with one or more layers of intermediate
mesh and supports to form a non woven fabric; applying to said non
woven fabric a finishing treatment selected from a group consisting
of thermofusion additives and compounds for different treatments
for special finishes for each application; cutting said non woven
fabric; rolling said non woven fabric; and formatting said non
woven fabric.
32. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
preforming at least one or any combination of the following
processing steps selected from a group consisting of: weighing said
selected fibers which have been previously treated with said
antibacterial additive; mixing of said weighed fibers; feeding said
weighed fibers into a carding machine; directing and mixing said
weighed fiber or weighed fibers in said carding machine to form
said web; forming a felt by folding and creasing of one or more
said webs in a cross lapper; reducing the thickness of said felt in
a pre-needle puncher; needle punching of said felt with one or more
needle plates; structuring said felt; calendaring said felt;
thermofixing or inducting said felt; formatting said felt; cutting
said felt; and rolling said felt.
33. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
weighing said selected fibers which have been previously treated
with said antibacterial additive; mixing of said weighed fibers;
feeding said weighed fibers into a carding machine; directing and
mixing said weighed fiber or weighed fibers in said carding machine
to form said web; forming a felt by folding and creasing of one or
more said webs in a cross lapper; reducing the thickness of said
felt in a pre-needle puncher; needle punching of said felt with one
or more needle plates; structuring said felt; calendaring said
felt; rolling said felt and formatting said felt.
34. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 wherein: weighing
said selected fibers which have been previously treated with said
antibacterial additive; mixing of said weighed fibers; feeding said
weighed fibers into a carding machine; directing and mixing said
weighed fiber or weighed fibers in said carding machine to form
said web; forming a felt by folding and creasing of one or more
said webs in a cross lapper; reducing the thickness of said felt in
a pre-needle puncher; needle punching of said felt with one or more
needle machines; structuring said felt; thermofixing said felt;
rolling said felt and formatting said felt.
35. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
weighing said selected fibers which have been previously treated
with said antibacterial additive; mixing of said weighed fibers;
feeding said weighed fibers into a carding machine; directing and
mixing said weighed fiber or weighed fibers in said carding machine
to form said web; forming a felt by folding and creasing of one or
more said webs in a cross lapper; reducing the thickness of said
felt in a pre-needle puncher; needle punching of said felt with one
or more needle plates; structuring said felt; inducing said felt
with resins; drying said felt; rolling said felt and formatting
said felt.
36. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
weighing said selected fibers which have been previously treated
with said antibacterial additive; mixing of said weighed fibers;
feeding said weighed fibers into a carding machine; directing and
mixing said weighed fiber or weighed fibers in said carding machine
to form said web; forming a felt by folding and creasing of one or
more said webs in a cross lapper; reducing the thickness of said
felt with a thickness regulator; needle punching of said felt with
one or more needle machines; thermofixing using calendars,
infra-red, hot gas or air; rolling said felt and formatting said
felt.
37. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
weighing said selected fibers which have been previously treated
with said antibacterial additive; mixing of said weighed fibers;
feeding said weighed fibers into a felting machine; directing and
mixing said weighed fiber or weighed fibers in said carding machine
to form said web; forming a felt by projecting said fiber onto a
grid; reducing the thickness of said felt with a thickness
regulator; needle punching of said felt with one or more needle
plates; thermofixing using calendars, infra-red, hot gas or air;
rolling said felt and formatting said felt.
38. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
mixing chippings from chippings treated with Legionella
anti-bacterials; extruding chippings; forming the fibers in
monofilaments and continuous filaments; forming a web; forming a
felt by projecting the fiber onto a grid; reducing the thickness of
the felt with a thickness regulator; needle punching the felt with
one or more machines; thermofixing using calendars, infra-red, hot
gas or air; rolling and formatting said felt.
39. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
weighing said selected fibers which have been previously treated
with said antibacterial additive; mixing of said weighed fibers;
feeding said weighed fibers into a felting machine; directing and
mixing said weighed fiber or weighed fibers in said carding machine
to form said web; forming a felt by disorientating, folding and
creasing one or more webs, in a cross lapper or felting machine;
sewing the felt with one or more machines; structuring the felt;
thermofixing; rolling said felt and formatting said felt.
40. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
forming a compound and sandwiching non woven fabrics formed from
other treated or non treated woven and non woven fabrics with a
material selected from a group consisting of polypropylene,
polyethylene, polyester, glass fiber, aluminum, steel, and
mechanically or thermally treated or untreated foam with additives
mesh supports.
41. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
mixing chippings from a group of chippings consisting essentially:
high and low density polyethylenes, PVC, Nylon, Teflon, Silicons,
Polyesters, Polycarbonates, Metacrylite, Polyolephines,
Hydrocarbons in chain, Thermohardeners, Thermoplastics which were
treated with Legionella anti-bacterials extruding chippings and/or
fluid mixture; injecting the product; structuring or laminating the
compound; covering or not covering the treated or untreated non
woven fabric; calibrating the thickness of the compound with a
thickness regulator; drying and poymerising; thermofixing using
calendars, infra-red, hot gas or air and; rolling and formatting
said felt.
42. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 31 further comprising:
mixing chippings from chippings selected from a group consisting
essentially of high and low density polyethylenes, PVC, Nylon,
Teflon, Silicons, Polyesters, Polycarbonates, Metacrylite,
Polyolephines, Hydrocarbons in chain, Thermohardeners,
Thermoplastics, nitrogen mixtures, helium, phenols, inert gas,
Aphodicarbonamides, foam making liquids, polyol, TDI, Toluene
isozionate, Polyester, HR, etc wherein said chippings from said
selected group has a thicknesses up to 125 cm.sup.3 and is treated
with Legionella anti-bacterials; extruding chippings and/or fluid
mixture; injecting the product; structuring or laminating the
compound; covering or not covering the treated or untreated non
woven fabric; calibrating the thickness of the compound with a
thickness regulator; drying and poymerising; thermofixing using
calendars, infra-red, hot gas or air; rolling and formatting said
felt.
43. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in any installation at risk from
Legionella Pneumofila proliferation of claim 28 wherein: said
anti-bacterial treated compounds were treated using a compound or
mixture in solid or liquid form selected from a group consisting of
silver based derivatives, phenoyhalogenate derivatives with
transporters, plus permetrine derivatives, isothiazolinone
derivatives, tetraalkylammonium silicons, organozinc compounds,
zirconium phosphates, sodium, or other products likely to comply
with this anti-Legionella bactericide.
44. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in cooling equipment, heat exchangers,
tanks, containers, ventilators and any other equipment which
accumulates water and may spread it as aerosol comprising: treating
the filter with an anti-bacterial treatment process carried out
directly on a non woven fabric, a filter or a injected filtration
sheet including using a preparations selected from a group
consisting of silver based derivatives, phenoyhalogenate
derivatives with transporters, plus permetrine derivatives,
isothiazolinone derivatives, tetraalkylammonium silicons,
organozinc compounds, zirconium phosphates, sodium, triazine,
oxazolidines, isotiazolones, hermiformals, ureides, isocynates,
chorine derivatives, formaldehydes, carbenacime, or chippings or a
mixture of chippings treated with similar products
45. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in cooling equipment, heat exchangers,
tanks, containers, ventilators and any other equipment which
accumulates water and may spread it as aerosol of claim 44 further
comprising: treating said non woven fabric and/or said injected
filtration sheet using copper, zinc, or tin derivatives or any
other metal element with the ability to release positive and
negative ions and which produces a product.
46. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in cooling equipment, heat exchangers,
tanks, containers, ventilators and any other equipment which
accumulates water and may spread it as aerosol of claim 44 further
comprising: adding additives by pouring a mainly aqueous medium
bath, spraying, atomizing, sheeting, inducting, thermofixing,
applying, injecting, immersing in any medium and any other common
procedure in industrial fabrics, plastics and foams which are
equivalent to those listed wherein said additives found in forms of
microscopic powders, applications in solution, suspension or
aqueous emulsion or other liquid form and are selected from a group
of additives consisting essentially of: polyethylene, polyamide,
EVA chippings, EVA, hot melt adhesives or any other like material
and their mixtures.
47. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in cooling equipment, heat exchangers,
tanks, containers, ventilators and any other equipment which
accumulates water and may spread it as aerosol comprising:
obtaining fibers from a process selected from a group consisting
essentially of: manipulation of artificial and synthetic fibers,
and injected filtration structures forming felt and sheets; and
treating said felt, sheets, non woven fabrics and filters directly
on said felt, sheets, non woven fabrics and filters with
preparations selected from a group consisting essentially of:
silver based derivative, phenoyhalogenate derivatives with
transporters, permetrine derivatives, isothiazolinone derivatives,
tetraalkylammonium silicons, organozinc compounds, zirconium
phosphates, sodium, triazine, oxazolidines, isotiazolones,
hermiformals, ureides, isocynates, chorine derivatives,
formaldehydes, carbenacime, or chippings or a mixture of chippings
treated with similar products; and adding additional amounts of
said felt, sheets, non woven fabrics, and filters can be used
against all types of Legionella, anthrax A and B flu, Avian flu,
and Acute Serious Respirator Syndrome (ASRS) in which additional
compounds are used and said additional compounds are selected from
a group consisting essentially of: Glutaraldehyde, Hypochlorite
salts, Chloroisocyanurates, Sodium bromide,
2.2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA),
N-trichloromethyl-thio)ftalamide (Folpet), 10.10'-oxibisphenox
arsine (OPA), Denatonium Benzoate, 1-bromo, 1-bromomethyl-1.3
propanodicarbonitrile, Tetrachloroisoeftalonitrile,
Poly(oxyethylene)(dimethylimine)ethylene
(dimethylim)ethylendichloride, Methylene bisthiocyanate (MBT),
Dithiocarbamate, Cyanodithiomidocarbomate,
2-(2-bromo-2-nitroethenylfuran (BNEF),
Beta-bromo-beta-nitroestyrene (BNS), Beta-nitroestyrene (NS),
Beta-nitrovinylfuran (NVF), 2-bromo-2-bromomethyl-glutaronitrile
(BBMGN), 1.4-bis(bromoacetoxy)-2-butene, Acroline, Bis(tributyltin)
oxide (TBTO),
2-(tert-butylamine)-4-chloro-6-(ethylamine)-s-triazine, Tetraalkyl
phosphonium chloride, 7-oxabicycle[2.2.1]heptane-2.3-dicarboxilic
acid, 4-5dichloro-2-n-octil-4-isozialine-3-dicarboxilic acid,
1-bromo-3-chloro-5.5-dimethyldanton (BCD), Zinc pirition,
2-methyl-5-nitromidazol-1-ethanol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1.3diol
2-(tiocyanomethyltio)benzitiazol (TCTMB), Terpineol, Timol,
Chloroxylenol, C12-C15 etoxiade fatty alcohol, 1-metoxi-2-propanol,
2-decylthioethylamine (DTEA), Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride,
Tetrahydro-3.5-dimethyl-2H-1.3.5-hydrazine-2-tione,
2-bromo-4-hydroxiacetophenone, 2-N-octil-isothiazolin-3-one (OIT),
Alkyldimethylamine coco oxide, N-coco alkyltrimethylenamine,
4-5-dichloro-2-n-octil-4-isozialine-3-one, Tetralkylammonium
silicon, Bis(trichloromethyl)sulphone,
S-(2-hydroxipropyl)tiomethanosulphonate, Tetrakishydroximethyl
phosphonium sulphate (THPS), Mercaptopyridine N-oxide (pyritione),
Copper sulphate, Basic copper carbonate, Copper and ammonium
carbonate, Copper hydroxide, Copper oxychloride, Cupric oxide,
Cuprous oxide, Copper and calcium powder, Copper silicate, Copper
sulphate, Copper sulphate and tribasic potassium (Bordeaux
mixture), 4.5-dichloro-isothiazolinone (DCOIT),
Butyl-benziisothiazolinone (butyl-BIT), Methylisothiazolone,
2-N-actil-isothiazolin-3-one (OIT), Dodecylguanide acetate,
Dodecylguanade hydrochloride, Polyhexamethylenbiguanide (PHMB),
3-trimethoxy sylildimthyloctadecyl ammonium chloride (Silanequat),
Alkyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride, 4-methylbenzoate
dodecyl-di-(2-hydroxethyl)-benzyl ammonium,
5-chloro-2-(2.4-dichlorophenexi) phenol,
2.4.4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxyphenyl ether (Triclosan),
m-phenoxybenoil-3-(2.2-dichlorovinyl-dimethylcyclo propane
carboxylate, Trichlorophenoxyphenol (TCP8),
1.23.benzothiadiazol-7-acid, Thiocarboxylic-s-methyl ester,
4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol, Timol, Saligenin, O-phenylphenol,
Methyline blue, Brilliant green, Gentian violet and dimethyl
gentian violet, Poly vinyl pyrrolidone, Iodated povidone,
Adamantanes, Amantadine, Rimantadine, Zanamivir, Oseltamivir or
ribivarin, Tributyl tin and derivatives and Sodium thiosulphate,
Chloroneb, Chlorotalonil, Dichloran, Hexachlorobenzene,
Pentachloronitrobenzene, Metam-sodium, Tirad, Ziram, Ferbam, Maneb,
Zineb, Nabam, Mancozeb, Thiophthalamides, Captan, Captafol, Folpet,
Copper Phenylsalicylate, Copper Linoleate, Copper Naphthenate,
Copper Oleate, Copper Quinolinolate, Copper Resinate, Phenylstanic
acetate, Phenylstanic chloride, Phenylstanic hydroxide,
Triphenylstane, Cadmium chloride, Cadmium succinate, Cadmium
sulphate, Anilazine, Benomyl, Cycloheximide, Dodine, Etridiazol,
Iprodione, Metalaxyl, Thiabendazole, Triadimefon, Tonaphtate
(O-2-Naphtyl m, N-dimethylthiocarbanylate), Fluoroquinolones,
Fleroxacine, Cyprofloxacine, Chlorohexadine gluconate, Zirconium
sodium phosphate, Aluminiums, Calys, Zeolites, Exchange resins.
48. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in cooling equipment, heat exchangers,
tanks, containers, ventilators and any other equipment which
accumulates water and may spread it as aerosol of claim 44 further
comprising: optimizing the filtration capacity of the filter by
adding additives during the manufacturing process which facilitate
the absorption of organic biomaterial; wherein said additives are
selected from a group consisting essentially of adhesives, silica
gel, activated carbon fibers, zeolites, ionic exchange resins,
diatomea and perlite soils and mixtures thereof.
49. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in cooling equipment, heat exchangers,
tanks, containers, ventilators and any other equipment which
accumulates water and may spread it as aerosol of claim 44 wherein:
manufacturing the filter includes the use of a filter membrane and
plate manufacturing processes.
50. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in cooling equipment, heat exchangers,
tanks, containers, ventilators and any other equipment which
accumulates water and may spread it as aerosol of claim 44 wherein:
treating of the fibers further includes plasma activation, carbon
activation and a combination of the two.
51. A method of producing a filter for filtration and elimination
of Legionella Pneumofila in cooling equipment, heat exchangers,
tanks, containers, ventilators and any other equipment which
accumulates water and may spread it as aerosol of claim 44 further
comprising: obtaining the filter by conventional filament fabric
methods.
52. A filter for filtration and elimination of Legionella
Pneumofila in any installation at risk from Legionella Pneumofila
proliferation of claim 28 further comprising: obtaining the filter
by conventional filament fabric methods.
Description
[0001] The invention relates specifically to the physical and
chemical characteristics of an air and liquid filter which is
intended to trap bacteria and eliminate same. The inventive fabric
is manufactured from a fabric comprising non woven type fabrics
and/or injected filtering structures or sheets, i.e. which have
been obtained by manipulating synthetic artificial fibres using
processes that lead to the formation of a lap which, following
other industrial operations that are described later, is converted
into the non woven fabric or, alternatively, using injection
processes into the injected structures or sheets.
[0002] Another objective is the characteristics of the fibres in
the aforementioned non-woven fabric, as well as the treatment that
they include, which seek to fix the necessary chemical compounds
directly onto the fibres. This allows the non woven fabric, once
manufactured, to act as a filter which is able to prevent
Legionella continuing to circulate through the inside of cooling
towers, heat exchangers, ventilation machines, tanks or any device
listed previously and reaching concentrations which are dangerous
to man.
[0003] Another objective for the invention is the sandwich fabric
manufacturing process formed by the combination of non woven
fabrics and sheets or injected filtration structures.
[0004] Another objective of the invention, in addition to the
formation of the non woven fabric, is that of its manufacture which
basically includes, among other things, the following operations:
[0005] The selection of fibres which have been already treated with
anti-bacterial additives. [0006] Weighing each and every fibre and
groups of fibres forming the fibre mix. [0007] The same or
different fibre mixes. [0008] The formation of web or felt. [0009]
The superimposition of layers of several non woven fabrics with the
same fibres or with a mixture of different fibres. [0010] The
joining of one or more layers of non-woven fabrics. [0011] Special
finishing treatments for each application. [0012] Cutting, rolling
and formatting of the resulting non woven fabric. Legislation.
[0013] Installations and buildings for the purposes of the patent
application are stated in point 1.3 of the "Final Document on
Recommendations for the Prevention and Control of Legionelosis"
approved by the Public Health Committee in the National Health
System, dated 29 Oct. 1998. More specifically where it refers to
installations such as (among others): [0014] Domestic hot water
systems: mains and tanks, accumulators, heaters and boilers, etc.
[0015] Domestic cold water systems: mains and tanks, accumulators,
tanks, reservoirs, cisterns, wells and others. [0016] Cooling
towers. [0017] Evaporating condensers. [0018] Air conditioning
conduits. [0019] Respiratory treatment equipment (respirators and
nebulisers). [0020] Humidifiers. [0021] Heated swimming pools with
or without movement. [0022] Thermal installations. [0023]
Ornamental fountains. [0024] Irrigation systems. [0025] Fire
fighting equipment. [0026] Open air cooling equipment using
aerosols. Among the buildings are the following: [0027] Hotels.
[0028] Other tourist facilities: apartments, aparthotels, camp
sites, boats and others. [0029] Sports centres including swimming
pools. [0030] Care facilities: hospitals, clinics, old persons'
homes and others. [0031] Spas, thermals baths. [0032] Barracks.
[0033] Prisons. [0034] Other buildings. Description of the
Illness.
[0035] Legionelosis is a bacterial illness formed in the
environment which basically presents two clinical forms which are
completely different: pulmonary infection or "Legionnaires'
Disease" characterised by pneumonia with a high temperature and the
other non pneumonic form known as "Pontiac Fever" which manifests
itself as an acute self limiting febrile syndrome.
[0036] Pneumonia is clinically indistinguishable from other a
typical pneumonia and frequently requires patients to be
hospitalised. The incubation period is normally 2 to 10 days, is
more frequent in people between 40 and 70 years old, presenting two
to three time more in men than women and is rare in children. The
risk of contracting the illness depends on the type and intensity
of exposure and the health of the subject, increasing in
immunocompromised, in diabetics, in patients with chronic pulmonary
illnesses as well as smokers and alcoholics. The rate of attack
(no. of patients/no of persons exposed) in outbreaks is 0.1 to 5%
of the general population. Mortality in the community is less than
5% but may reach 15 or 20% if an appropriate antibiotic treatment
is not instigated. In nosocomial cases the frequency varies between
0.4 and 14% and mortality may reach 40% even 80% in
immunocompromised patients without appropriate treatment. The
preferred antibiotic treatment is eritromicine which is highly
effective and no resistance has been noted. For Pontiac fever the
treatment is symptomatic.
[0037] Basically, infection from Legionella may be caught in two
large areas, the community and the hospital. In both cases, the
illness may be associated with several types of facilities and
building and may present in the form of outbreaks/clusters, related
cases and isolated or sporadic cases.
Description of the Bacteria.
[0038] Legionella is a bacteria in the form of bacilli which is
capable of surviving in a wide range of physio-chemical conditions,
multiplying between 20.degree. C. and 45.degree. C. and being
destroyed at 70.degree. C. Optimum temperature for growth is
between 35-37.degree. C. The Legionellaceae family includes a
genus, Legionella and 40 species some of which in turn divide into
serogroups, such as L. pneumophila, of which 14 serogroups have
been described.
[0039] Although more than half of the species described have been
implicated in human infection, the most common cause of legioelosis
is L. pneumophila serogroup 1, which is the most frequent serogroup
in the environment.
[0040] Legionella is considered to be an environmental bacteria as
its natural habitat is surface water such as lakes, rivers, ponds,
forming part of the bacterial flora. From these natural reservoirs,
the bacteria have moved on to colonise storage systems in cities
via the mains system and has entered the domestic water system (hot
or cold) and other systems requiring water to operate and may
generate aerosols. These installations, on occasions, favour the
storage of water and accumulate products which act as nutrients for
the bacteria, such as sludges, organic material, corrosion material
and amoebas, forming a biolayer. The presence of this biolayer,
together with water temperature, plays an important role in the
Legionella multiplying until they reach concentrations which are
infectious to humans. From these locations, significant
concentrations of the bacteria may reach other points in the system
where, if they exist, an aerosol producing mechanism may disperse
the bacteria in the form of an aerosol. Water drops containing the
bacteria may remain suspended in the air and can penetrate the
respiratory tracts finally reaching the lungs.
[0041] The most common buildings infected with Legionella and which
have been identified as sources of infection are hot and cold
domestic water systems, cooling towers, evaporating condensers in
both hospitals and hotels and other types of buildings. Scientific
literature has also described related infections in equipment used
for respiratory treatment in hospital environments. Other
facilities with the disease are ornamental fountains, humidifiers,
rehabilitation and leisure centres, swimming pools on cruise ships
and all those facilities previously listed.
[0042] An important biological characteristic of these bacteria is
its ability to grow intracellularly, both in protozoals and in
human macrophages. In natural aquatic environments and in
buildings, the presence of protozoals plays an important role in
supporting the intracellular multiplication of the bacteria, with
this process being used as a survival mechanism in unfavourable
environmental conditions.
Transmission of the Bacteria to Humans.
[0043] Entry of the Legionella bacteria into the human body is
basically by inhalation of aerosols containing a significant number
of bacteria. There is no evidence of person to person transmission
or the known existence of animal reservoirs.
[0044] A series of requirements have to be achieved in order for
the infection to produce in humans: [0045] The micro-organism has a
means of entry into the installation. This is usually through
natural water coming in which is contaminated with the bacteria,
normally in small quantities. [0046] It multiplies in the water
until is achieves sufficient number of micro-organisms so that they
become a risk to susceptible people. The multiplication is a
function of the water temperature, its storage and the presence of
other contaminants, including dirt inside the installation. [0047]
It is dispersed in the form of an aerosol through the system.
Contaminated water is only a risk when it is dispersed into the
atmosphere in the form of an aerosol (dispersion in liquid or in
solid in air or in gas). The risk increases when the size of the
water drops in suspension become smaller, because the drops remain
in suspension in the air for longer and only drops less than 5
microns in size penetrate the lungs. [0048] It is virulent in
humans, because not all species or serogroups are equally
implicated in the production of the illness. [0049] Susceptible
individuals are exposed to aerosols containing sufficient
quantities of viable Legionella.
[0050] In the hospital environment, the risk of catching the
illness after exposure to contaminated water depends on the
intensity of the exposure as well as the health of the person
concerned. There is a greater risk in immunocompromised illnesses
and patients with chronic illnesses, such a chronic renal
deficiency, malignant hemopathies, smokers, the elderly.
Status of the Previous Technique.
[0051] There are precedents concentrating on anti-Legionella
filters, but they have been proven to be ineffective in practice.
These are filters made with material with a porosity or filtration
to retain bacteria larger than 0.2 microns (Legionella bacteria are
very small, 0.3 to 0.9 microns wide and 2 microns long), to prevent
ingestion in foods or liquids. Both forms of entry do not result in
the illness occurring, it is only harmful via the lungs through
contaminated water or air. As stated in previous paragraphs,
"Transmission of the bacteria to humans", the bacteria penetrate
the lungs in any water drop less than 5 microns in size and
therefore those drops less than 0.2 microns and which are breathed
in are likely to cause the infection. This is the reason for the
ineffectiveness of these methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0052] Precedents to the invention are located in those being
applied now hereinafter called non woven fabrics, with
anti-bacterial additives, for different types of applications, for
example non woven fabrics to treat bacteria producing odour in shoe
linings. Subsequently and in partnership with anti-bacterial
chemical product manufacturers, non woven fabrics have been
produced with directly treated fibres which satisfactorily achieve
the required aims, in a way that the non woven fabric has improved
durability and does not require heat treatment to fix the product
onto the surface. In this way these treatments do not affect the
fibres comprising the non woven fabric from the start as a
consequence of excess temperature above which the fibre can
withstand and in some cases as a consequence of its physical and
chemical characteristics, changing the final colour and appearance
of the product.
[0053] Other precedents of the invention were the mixture of fibres
treated with natural fibres for a non woven anti-bacterial,
anti-mite fabric for mattresses, upholstered furniture, curtains
and wall and floor fabric covers, thereby increasing user comfort
particularly people with allergies and asthma, with the added
advantage of being non woven fabrics which are completely washable
up to 60 degrees and others up to 95 degrees.
[0054] One of the advantages achieved by treating fibres instead on
non woven fabrics was an increased durability for the
anti-bacterial treatment as it lasts much longer than applying it
onto fibres. The treated fibres store the anti-bacterial treatment
inside the fibre as it is not a surface treatment as opposed to
applying them to the non woven fabric.
[0055] Legal regulations have been introduced with different
degrees of success in order to prevent Legionella attacks, because
at certain times during the year the general air temperature
enhances the appearance of Legionella focus inside such equipment
and their transmission inside buildings and rooms which contribute
to the same.
[0056] Experience has shown that in addition to the different legal
measures, the most effective means of preventing Legionelosis is
disinfecting and periodically cleaning installations at risk. In
order to do this authorised disinfectants have to be used, for
example hyperchlorination of towers is effective, but this only has
a short term effect and the problem usually reoccurs within a
month, sometimes days of the disinfection. Also, hyperchlorination
is not effective in pipes or conduits as well as in other heated
areas in the installation.
[0057] Moreover, legislations requires preventative maintenance and
disinfection in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions,
checking for possible leaks, obstructive corrosion and checking the
proper operation of ventilators, motors and pumps which, when not
working properly, may create an unwanted rise in temperature and
therefore an increased concentration of Legionella which are
already present under normal conditions although in concentrations
which are not dangerous to human health.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INVENTION
[0058] Previous research on the techniques used top reach the
objective of this invention have demonstrated that the ideal fibres
in non woven fabrics for the invention may be polypropylene,
polyester, acrylics, polymids, modacrylics, viscose, polyethylene,
aramides, bicomponents, etc. i.e. fibres with a mixture of two or
more of the above fibres and other fibrous materials, according to
the requirements of the application.
[0059] Fibres listed in the above paragraph admit bacterial
treatment which integrates into all of the body and core of the
fibre. It therefore can be stated that the antibacterial treatment
is not superficial on the fibre or on the non woven fabric as
previously explained.
[0060] The range of possible fibres in the non woven fabric allows
a broad range of thicknesses as well as the type of cross section
types which may be circular, square, elliptical, hollow and others
which have been demonstrated to be equally effective for the non
woven fabric used for filtering in this invention. Thicknesses may
range from 0.1 mm to 15 cm for which the weight may vary between
approximately 5 to 2,500 grams.
Tests, Analyses and Trials Carried Out.
[0061] Samples of manufactured non woven fabrics in accordance with
any of the processes in this invention were submitted to
microbiological laboratory tests to evaluate their behaviour with
Legionella pneumophila subspecies pneumophila ATCC 33152.
[0062] During these tests Legionella agar GVPC, bacteriological
agar and NaCl physiological solution (common salt) were used.
Cultures were prepared with these substances and suspensions in an
initial concentration of around 10.sup.6 Legionella/ml.
[0063] Three different solutions were prepared with these
suspensions which were submitted to an incubation period of 7 days
at 36.degree. C. in concentrations of: [0064] 7.1.times.10.sup.6
Legionella/mL solution [0065] 7.1.times.10.sup.4 Legionella/mL
solution [0066] 7.1.times.10.sup.2 Legionella/mL solution
[0067] Preparation for the test ended by pouring these solutions
onto analysis dishes to which was added 100 ml of agar (1.0%).
Concentrations of Legionella in the test agars were finally: [0068]
7.1.times.10.sup.5 Legionella/mL solution [0069] 7.1.times.10.sup.4
Legionella/mL solution [0070] 7.1.times.10.sup.4 Legionella/mL
solution
[0071] At the same time, other analysis dishes were prepared with
the initial solutions in their three concentrations, in order to
finally add non woven fabric filter samples to be analysed. The
test took 72 hours for incubation at 36.degree. C.
[0072] This test was initially designed to test the non growth or
the non proliferation of bacteria in the presence of Cellular
Legionella bacteria.
[0073] The lower presence of bacteria not only occurred in the
tests carried out on the samples with a high concentration of
Legionella (7.1.times.10.sup.6) in the initial sample, but also in
those test dishes with an initial bacterial composition of more
than 1000 times lower.
[0074] Therefore, the result of the micro-bacterial analysis on the
non woven fabric in the invention not only proved the inhibition of
growth and proliferation of the bacteria but also a clear
bactericide effect.
Description of the Processes and Raw Materials in the
Invention.
[0075] Non woven fabrics manufactured with the characteristics
described in the above paragraphs have been mixed with other non
woven fabrics so that they form a anti-Legionella non woven fabric
sandwich, with a non woven fabric support and polypropylene,
polyethylene, polyester, glass fibre, steel, aluminium, foam etc
compounds as a support for the product in the invention. This
facilitates its use as a support in tanks, pools, cooling towers,
heat exchanger ventilators and any other location where
concentrations of Legionella can be attacked through filtration and
statically depositing them.
[0076] In the first claim of this patent, the manufacturing process
is specified for the patent which will use "artificial, synthetic
fibres cut or in continuous filament and its mixtures, previously
treated with antibacterial compounds, specifying in the 17.sup.th
claim which antibacterial treatments for fibres have been prepared
on the basis of silver derivatives, phenoxyhalogenate derivatives
with transporters, plus permetrine derivatives, isothiazolinone
derivatives, tetraalkylamone silicons, organozinc compounds,
zirconium phosphates, sodium, triazine, oxazolidines,
isotiazolines, hermiformals, ureides, isocyanates, chlorine
derivatives, formaldehydes, carbendazime or chipping or chipping
mixtures treated with similar products.
[0077] During the development of the products in the main patent,
different tests were carried out on the described procedure in the
patent varying some aspect without varying its essence.
[0078] This product is characterised by the fact that it has
biocide and biostatic effects.
[0079] These experiments have concluded that the application using
physical-chemical procedures of a different nature on certain
products directly onto the non woven fabric instead of onto the
mother fibre also has the required bactericide effect and in the
same way is also effective in the fight against Legionella
pneumophila.
[0080] Another procedure is the manufacture of felts with treated
fibres and subsequently treating it again with antibacterial
material to be able to gradually release a biocide product.
[0081] Certain compounds (salts and other derivatives) made from
Zinc (Zn), Tin (Sn), Copper (Cu), Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Cobalt
(Co), Nickel (Ni), Palladium (Pd), Platinum (Pt), Cadmium (Cd), as
well as other metal elements from the transition area and other
configuration of a metallic nature of any other element produce
ions which, on release have a marked anti-bacterial character.
[0082] In the development of this invention, different compounds of
one or more of the aforementioned elements were shuffled to be
applied with other additives in different procedures on the non
woven fabric base, to filters or injected filtering sheets: [0083]
Application in the form of microscopic powders [0084] Application
in solution, suspension or aqueous emulsion or any other liquid if
technically possible [0085] Application in a mixture with
polyethylene, polymid, EVA chippings, different types of Hot-melt
adhesives or any other type.
[0086] The main application procedures were as follows: [0087] In a
liquid, mainly aqueous liquid bath [0088] Spray [0089] Atomiser
[0090] Sheet [0091] Inducted [0092] Immersion in any of the above
mentioned media [0093] Any other common procedure in plastic,
textile and foam industries, technically equivalent to those listed
and applicable to the invention.
[0094] In terms of the application of the aforementioned
procedures, it has to be stated that the processes are limited to
300.degree. C., given that above this temperature, the compounds
may change and lose some of their bactericide properties.
[0095] In the same way, another line of development in the
invention concentrated on the fibres. In addition to the fibres
described in this patent, other biodegradable fibres were used. In
this way and playing with the percentages of fibre and bactericide
product(s) described in the original patent or in this patent, it
was able to allow the fibre to release the exact percentage of
bactericide as stated in the application.
[0096] The same properties in copper and its derivatives in terms
of being able to release positive and negative ions at will is
possible with zinc and any other metal (from the ones listed above)
with the possibility of ionising. These other products can be
considered to be technically equivalent to this addition.
[0097] Tests on our product have allowed an aura effect to be
observed which creates an area where Legionella does not exist
around it. This effect allows us to use products referred to in the
patent as powerful bactericides which eliminate bacteria form the
biofilm creating sterile areas. These products can have floating
properties to be used in gas-liquid interfaces.
[0098] Subsequent research has demonstrated that the Legionella can
be transmitted by inhalation or swallowing. This inhalation or
swallowing may originate from Legionella infected water gaining
access to the lungs and reproducing inside them. This type of
contagion was stated in information on Legionella from the "Society
of Health Care Epidemiology of America" in addition to other
medical publications. This possibility contagion is common to all
varieties of Legionella, not just the pneumophila variety.
[0099] Given the above, it has been demonstrated that the
Legionella pneumophila which is found in public sources, drinking
water distribution systems domestic water and other uses, may be
the origin of infection, in addition to traditional systems
described in the original patent.
[0100] Subsequent research has demonstrated that Legionella may be
transmitted by inhalation or swallowing. This inhalation or
swallowing may originate from Legionella infected water gaining
access to the lungs and reproducing inside them. This type of
contagion was stated in information on Legionella from the "Society
of Health Care Epidemiology of America" in addition to other
medical publications. This possibility contagion is common to all
varieties of Legionella, not just the pneumophila variety.
[0101] Other studies illustrate that this infection through
Legionella may be found in pipes, water circulation systems in the
food packaging, water and drinks bottling industries and the food
industry in general with the specific matter of if these infected
drinks, water and liquids pass directly into a human being via the
digestive tract there is no form of repercussion from a health
point of view and therefore there is no infection. Nevertheless, if
these sources originate from swallowing and transfer, even though
this is in a microscopic amount, from the mouth and digestive tract
to the respiratory tracts, an infection can occur. In this way,
installations have to take into account all that equipment which
can accumulate water and/or emit it as an aerosol.
[0102] The above information which basically consists of research
reports, medical centre and research institution reports on
infectious illnesses, makes one consider that the dangers from
Legionella pneumophila infection may be found in the above
mentioned installations and also in drinking water installations
plus in equipment which runs the risk of being contaminated form
the same, such as, for example, water storage and distribution
systems in airport terminal buildings, trains, ships and other
similar locations.
[0103] As a consequence of the above and one of the aims of these
improvements, is the application of the filter in this main and
additional patent combined with other filtering methods which may
be used in the aforementioned public sources, drinking water
distribution systems, water circulation systems, in industries in
general, drinking water plants and water storage and distribution
systems in transport networks. In summary, the filter to prevent
Legionella will comprise a filtration structure itself and will
form part of other more complex filters.
[0104] These complex filters shall include filters and the usual
filtration systems, for example: cartridge filters, vacuum rotating
filters, press filters, plate filters, membrane filters, tangential
filters, centrifuges, ultra and micro-filtration equipment, reverse
osmosis, dialysis, cyclones, electrostatic filters and similar
filters.
[0105] Within these filters, our fabric filter in its fabric and
non woven fabric forms may operate as a filter in itself,
accompanied by other filtration elements, for example
microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes or as an
antibacterial protective cover and fat eliminator even forming part
of the raw material for membranes and other filtration elements,
being able to be manufactured as, for example, plates for plate and
membrane filters.
[0106] Another improvement to this extension is the manufacture of
the aforementioned elements described in woven fabric using
monofilaments in the third point of the eleventh claim in the main
patent.
[0107] Another aim in these improvements is the application of
filter manufacture processes claimed in patents No. 200400749(4)
and 200402048(2) for cleaning and furnishing elements such as
towels, curtains, sheets, pillows, bed covers, carpets, rugs,
shower curtains, bath mats, bandages, dusters, and other similar
products used in public buildings used for health purposes, such as
clinics, sanatoria, hospitals, laboratories and installations and
other similar buildings.
[0108] Another purpose for these improvements is the application of
the manufacturing process for filters in the main patent and its
subsequent improvements for the development of floating fabric and
non woven fabric filters equipped with buoyancy for aquifers,
tanks, thermal water, water conduction and treatment plants. These
materials shall, have an antibacterial and anti-algae action to
prevent the formation of a biofilm in the solid-liquid
interface.
[0109] As a consequence of these previous experiments and new
applications in the main patent and its improvements, is the
improvement of the manufacturing process for the main and
additional patents so that the surface treatment for fibres and
monofilaments described in them take into account these
specifications in order to improve the surface treatment of these
fibres and monofilaments for improving resistance to washing. In
order to do this, it is envisaged that biocide substances are
incorporated into the fibre structure: either alone or with other
compounds: flame retardants, anti-static material, the usual
colourings in industrial fabrics: allowing their use in cooling
towers and other equipment without them losing their properties. In
the same way, these filters formed by fibres and monofilaments are
capable of filtering Legionella pneumophila in contact with liquids
which are presumed to be infected, as shown in the laboratory test
stated in the main patent. They are also required to be able to
withstand aggressive action in any type of liquid and at their
temperature.
[0110] Another aim of these improvements is extending the range of
bactericide products with other with similar effects and with a
greater spectrum: algaecides, fungicides, antivirals, to expand the
field of application of the filter, to avoid possible bioresistance
developed by micro-organisms to biocides and to be able to develop
synergies which expand the effectiveness of the products.
[0111] In the same way, expanding the number of compounds allows
fibres to be treated with non toxic, biodegradable and
dermatologically inert compounds according to the requirements of
the installation to be protected.
[0112] Another objective of these improvements in the possibility
of adding properties claimed in this family of patents to the
filter via the addition of compounds which offer it and its
configurations, their properties via impregnating them in
colouring, tenso-active and antistatic baths as well as adding and
combining the treatment or procedure with the fibres and
monofilaments, which remain in the aforementioned fibres and
monofilaments in the baths in which they were treated.
[0113] In order to improve the wetting ability and the behaviour of
the filters, activated carbon fibres have also been added to the
claims in the main patent and plasma treatment on the fibres has
been included which enhances the properties of these filters by
increasing the concentration of biocide agents included in the
fibre.
[0114] These treatments and the impregnation claimed in the first
additional patent have allowed the possible natural fibres to be
extended, such as: [0115] Animal fibres: silk, wool and hair
(alpaca, mohair, goat, camel . . . ) [0116] Plant fibres: Seed
fibres (cotton, kapok, coconut . . . ), Liberian fibres (linen,
hemp, jute and ramie): Leaf fibres (abaca and sisal).
[0117] Plus others such as: [0118] Metal fibres: Copper, silver . .
. [0119] Silicon fibres.
[0120] As a consequence of the behaviour (resistance to washing and
bactericide effect) of the filters in this invention, there is the
option to disinfect fluids by draining, filtration and
recirculation of small volumes of fluid and their prolonged use in
cooling towers and other similar equipment.
[0121] Another aim of this extension is the optimisation and
improvement of the filtering capacities of the products in this
invention using the addition of additives during the manufacturing
process which facilitate the absorption of organic biomaterial,
such as adhesines or other inorganic absorbents such as silica gel,
activated carbon fibres, zeolites, ionic exchange resins, diatom
soils and plastic films.
[0122] The above improvements allow the manufacture of a series of
products which allow work in the direction of new applications.
Firstly, the expansion of the filter in the main patent and
improvements so that it is also a filter which can retain all the
varieties of Legionella, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas
aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epedrmis,
Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus coreus, Vidrio
parahacmolyticus, Proteus, Vulgaris, Salmonella typhimorium,
Burkholderia cepacia, as well as anthrax, A and B flu virus and
Avian flu or serious acute respiratory syndrome (SARG).
[0123] Filters may be manufactured as fabrics in separate pieces
and can be used to protect trees in the "Quercus" family from
fungus such as Phytophthora cinnamomi or using such filters
against: Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus regens, Candida, albian,
Trichophytun menthagophit creating a barrier around the tree and
preventing the propagation of the aforementioned fungus.
Alternatively, the manufacturing process described in the main and
additional patent may be transferred, according to suitable
modifications, to the manufacture of masks, safety suits for
restricted atmospheres, floor cloths and others.
[0124] The following compounds grouped by family and active groups
are included in the biocide treatments in the original patent and
in the first extension. These compounds will be used in the
aforementioned applications: [0125] Glutaraldehyde [0126]
Hypochlorite salts [0127] Chloroisocyanurates [0128] Sodium
bromide
[0129] 2.2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA) [0130]
N-trichloromethyl-thio)ftalamide (Folpet) [0131]
10.10'-oxibisphenox arsine (OPA) [0132] Denatonium Benzoate [0133]
1-bromo, 1-bromomethyl-1.3 propanodicarbonitrile [0134]
Tetrachloroisoeftalonitrile [0135]
Poly(oxyethylene)(dimethylimine)ethylene [0136]
(dimethylim)ethylendichloride [0137] Methylene bisthiocyanate (MBT)
[0138] Dithiocarbamate [0139] Cyanodithiomidocarbomate [0140]
2-(2-bromo-2-nitroethenylfuran (BNEF) [0141]
Beta-bromo-beta-nitroestyrene (BNS) [0142] Beta-nitroestyrene (NS)
[0143] Beta-nitrovinylfuran (NVF) [0144]
2-bromo-2-bromomethyl-glutaronitrile (BBMGN) [0145]
1.4-bis(bromoacetoxy)-2-butene [0146] Acroline [0147]
Bis(tributyltin) oxide (TBTO) [0148]
2-(tert-butylamine)-4-chloro-6-(ethylamine)-s-triazine [0149]
Tetraalkyl phosphonium chloride [0150]
7-oxabicycle[2.2.1]heptane-2.3-dicarboxilic acid [0151]
4-5dichloro-2-n-octil-4-isozialine-3-dicarboxilic acid [0152]
1-bromo-3-chloro-5.5-dimethyldanton (BCD) [0153] Zinc pirition
[0154] Alcohols: [0155] 2-methyl-5-nitromidazol-1-ethanol [0156]
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1.3diol [0157]
2-(tiocyanomethyltio)benzitiazol (TCTMB) [0158] Terpineol [0159]
Timol [0160] Chloroxylenol [0161] C12-C15 etoxiade fatty alcohol
[0162] 1-metoxi-2-propanol [0163] Amines: [0164]
2-decylthioethylamine (DTEA) [0165] Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium
chloride [0166] Tetrahydro-3.5-dimethyl-2H-1.3.5-hydrazine-2-tione
[0167] 2-bromo-4-hydroxiacetophenone [0168]
2-N-octil-isothiazolin-3-one (OIT) [0169] Alkyldimethylamine coco
oxide [0170] N-coco alkyltrimethylenamine [0171]
4-5-dichloro-2-n-octil-4-isozialine-3-one [0172] Tetralkylammonium
silicon [0173] Organosulphurate compounds: [0174]
Bis(trichloromethyl)sulphone [0175]
S-(2-hydroxipropyl)tiomethanosulphonate [0176]
Tetrakishydroximethyl phosphonium sulphate (THPS) [0177]
Mercaptopyridine N-oxide (pyritione) [0178] Copper salts: [0179]
Copper sulphate [0180] Basic copper carbonate [0181] Copper and
ammonium carbonate [0182] Copper hydroxide [0183] Copper
oxychloride [0184] Cupric oxide [0185] Cuprous oxide [0186] Copper
and calcium powder [0187] Copper silicate [0188] Copper sulphate
[0189] Copper sulphate and tribasic potassium (Bordeaux mixture)
[0190] Isothiazolones: [0191] 4.5-dichloro-isothiazolinone (DCOIT)
[0192] Butyl-benziisothiazolinone (butyl-BIT) [0193]
Methylisothiazolone [0194] 2-N-actil-isothiazolin-3-one (OIT)
[0195] Guanidines: [0196] Dodecylguanide acetate [0197]
Dodecylguanade hydrochloride [0198] Polyhexamethylenbiguanide
(PHMB) [0199] Salt of quaternary ammonium: [0200] 3-trimethoxy
sylildimthyloctadecyl ammonium chloride (Silanequat) [0201] Alkyl
dimethyl benzylammonium chloride [0202] 4-methylbenzoate
dodecyl-di-(2-hydroxethyl)-benzyl ammonium [0203] Phenols and
chlorinated phenols: [0204] 5-chloro-2-(2.4-dichlorophenexi) phenol
[0205] 2.4.4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxyphenyl ether (Triclosan) [0206]
m-phenoxybenoil-3-(2.2-dichlorovinyl-dimethylcyclo propane
carboxylate [0207] Trichlorophenoxyphenol (TCP8) [0208]
1.23.benzothiadiazol-7-acid [0209] Thiocarboxylic-s-methyl ester
[0210] 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol [0211] Timol [0212] Saligenin
[0213] O-phenylphenol [0214] Colourings: [0215] Methyline blue
[0216] Brilliant green [0217] Gentian violet and dimethyl gentian
violet [0218] Iodophors: [0219] Poly vinyl pyrrolidone [0220]
Iodated povidone
[0221] The following specific anti-virals against common and avian
flu have been added to the above compounds complementing this
family of patents: [0222] Adamantanes: [0223] Amantadine [0224]
Rimantadine [0225] Neuraminidase inhibitors: [0226] Zanamivir
[0227] Oseltamivir or ribivarin
[0228] The following algaecides have been added to the above
compounds complementing this family of patents: [0229] Tributyl tin
and derivatives [0230] Sodium thiosulphate
[0231] The following fungicides have been added to the above
compounds complementing this family of patents: [0232] Benzene
substitutes: [0233] Chloroneb [0234] Chlorotalonil [0235] Dichloran
[0236] Hexachlorobenzene [0237] Pentachloronitrobenzene [0238]
Thiocarbamates: [0239] Metam-sodium [0240] Tirad [0241] Ziram
[0242] Ferbam [0243] Ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamates: [0244] Maneb
[0245] Zineb [0246] Nabam [0247] Mancozeb [0248] Thiophthalamides:
[0249] Captan [0250] Captafol [0251] Folpet [0252] Copper
compounds: [0253] Copper Phenylsalicylate [0254] Copper Linoleate
[0255] Copper Naphthenate [0256] Copper Oleate [0257] Copper
Quinolinolate [0258] Copper Resinate [0259] Organostanic compounds:
[0260] Phenylstanic acetate [0261] Phenylstanic chloride [0262]
Phenylstanic hydroxide [0263] Triphenylstane [0264] Cadmium
compounds: [0265] Cadmium chloride [0266] Cadmium succinate [0267]
Cadmium sulphate [0268] Other organic fungicides: [0269] Anilazine
[0270] Benomyl [0271] Cycloheximide [0272] Dodine [0273] Etridiazol
[0274] Iprodione [0275] Metalaxyl [0276] Thiabendazole [0277]
Triadimefon [0278] Tonaphtate (O-2-Naphtyl m,
N-dimethylthiocarbanylate) [0279] Fluoroquinolones: [0280]
Fleroxacine [0281] Cyprofloxacine [0282] Chlorohexadine gluconate
[0283] Compounds capable of incorporating metals in their
structure: [0284] Zirconium sodium phosphate [0285] Aluminiums
[0286] Calys [0287] Zeolites [0288] Exchange resins
[0289] The complete list of compounds above and the claims in
previous patents (No. 200400749(4) and 200402048(2)) cover the
complete range and anti-bacterial, anti-viral, algaecide and
fungicide activity. A large majority of the above compounds have
anti-microbe activity in general which also eliminate gram positive
and gram negative bacteria, viruses, algae and fungus, for which
the applications of this invention are numerous in addition to
those stated above.
[0290] Other details and characteristics shall be demonstrated
during the course of the description below, which refers to the
drawings attached to this report in a diagrammatic format
indicating the preferred details for descriptive purposes but which
are not limiting to this invention.
[0291] Below are several possibilities for the manufacture with a
numbered list of the main elements which appear in the drawings and
which form part of the invention: (9) mixers, (10) loader, (11)
power supply, (12) carding machine, (13) cross lapper, (14)
pre-needle puncher, (15) needle puncher, (16) structurer, (17)
thermofixing (17) thermofixing, (19) felting machine, (20)
unroller, (21) padding/atomising/scraping, (22) oven, (23) scatter,
(24) calendaring and folding, (25) mono fibre non woven fabric or
continuous filament, (26) synthetic or natural fibres, (27)
artificial fibres, (28) non woven fibre compounds. Plastics or
foams, (29) bifibre fabrics, bicomponents and single layer, (30)
trifibre, trilayer fabrics, (31) cover, (32) various meshes and
supports.
[0292] FIG. 1 is a view of a non woven fabric seen in cross
section, (a) formed by one single fibre, (b) formed by three
different fibres.
[0293] FIG. 2 is a view of another non woven fabric (30) comprising
several non woven fabrics in a non woven fabric sandwich of several
layers (31).
[0294] FIG. 3 is a view of another non woven fabric formed by
several non woven fabrics with intermediate meshes (32) of various
compounds in order to give the resulting non woven fabric specific
mechanical rigidity to be applied in different parts of cooling
equipment, heat exchangers, tanks, etc.
[0295] FIG. 4 is a diagram of blocks of one of the possible
preferred manufacturing procedures for non woven fabrics in this
invention.
[0296] FIG. 5 is another diagram of manufacturing blocks.
[0297] FIG. 6 is a diagram of blocks of one of the possible
manufacturing possibilities for finishes and folding.
[0298] In one of the preferred uses in this invention and as shown
in FIG. 1, an anti-Legionella filter manufactured with non woven
fabric is formed by modified natural polymer chemical fibres like
those stated below: [0299] Viscose [0300] Modal [0301] Cupro [0302]
Acetate [0303] Triacetate [0304] Protein [0305] Alginate Or from
synthetic polymer chemical fibres as follows:
[0306] Polymid [0307] Aramid [0308] Polyester [0309] Acrylic [0310]
Modacrylic [0311] Chlorofibre [0312] Fluorofibre [0313] Vinyl
[0314] Elastane [0315] Eslastodien [0316] Polypropylene [0317]
Polyethylene [0318] Promix [0319] Polychal [0320] Novoloid [0321]
Polyimide [0322] PPS [0323] PBI [0324] Inidex Or from various
fibres as listed below: [0325] Glass [0326] Carbon [0327] Other
fibrous materials [0328] Bicomponents and polycomponents
[0329] Accompanied or unaccompanied by products such as: High and
low density polyethylenes, PVC, Nylon, Teflon, Silicons,
Polyesters, Polycarbonates, Metacylites, Polyolephines, Chain
hydrocarbons, Thermo hardeners, Thermoplastics and others.
[0330] Polyurethane, High and low density polyethylenes, PVC,
Nylon, Teflon, Silicons, Polyesters, Polycarbonates, Metacylites,
Polyolephines, Chain hydrocarbons, Thermo hardeners,
Thermoplastics, nitrogen helium mixtures, phenols, inert gas,
Afordicarbonamides, foaming products, Poliol, TDI, Toluene
Isoziotane, Polyether, HR.
[0331] In another possible use of this invention the non woven
fabric may be formed by any mixture of two or more of the above
fibres with a composition from 0.5 to 99.5%, with a treatment on
each type of fibre or its mixture with anti-bacterial additives
from 0.02% to 65%.
[0332] The preparation and treatment with antibacterials shall be
based on silver derivatives, phenoxyhalogenate derivatives with
transporters, plus permetrin derivatives, isothiazolinone
derivatives, siliconas de tetraalkyl ammonium, organozinc
compounds, zirconium phosphates, sodium, all in liquid or solid
form, plus other products likely to attain the anti-Legionella
bactericide effect.
[0333] The possible ranges of fibres in the non woven fabrics
stated in the above paragraphs shall be as follows: [0334] Fibre
thickness from 0.02 to 1,500 deniers. [0335] Cross section of
fibres: circular, square, elliptical, hollow, trilobal, flat and
similar. [0336] Fibre lengths from 0.1 mm to 500 mm and continuous
filaments. [0337] Non woven fabric density in thicknesses of: 0.1
to 15 cm. [0338] Non woven fabric weight: from 5 to 2,500 grams.
[0339] Fibre fusion point: from 60.degree. C. to 450.degree. C.
[0340] Non woven fabric fusion point: from 60.degree. C. to
450.degree. C.
[0341] As can be seen ion FIG. 2 which is totally diagrammatic view
of a non woven fabric, the fabric can be formed using a process
which forms part of this invention via a sandwich of non woven
fabrics with anti-bacterial treatment in the amount stated for the
invention, as well as the physical and chemical characteristics
stated above.
[0342] As can be seen in FIG. 3, another purpose of the invention
is the manufacture of other non woven fabrics, without reducing the
properties as an anti-Legionella filter and the aforementioned
characteristics for this invention, is that it contains
polypropylene, polyester, glass fibre, steel mesh so that when it
is operating as a filter it has parameters which allow it to
support certain amounts of mechanical forces which may be applied
to it in different types of tanks, pools, cooling towers,
ventilators for cooling equipment and air conditioning.
[0343] There is the possibility of designing other procedures
according to the requirements of the application which may be
felting, thermo fixing, calendaring, needle punching and special
consolidations of water, air and others.
[0344] The non woven fabrics described above as one of the purposes
of the invention may be manufactured in accordance with the
procedures shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 which include, among others,
the following operations: [0345] Selection of fibres already
treated with antibacterial additives. [0346] Weighing of each and
every fibre from the groups of fibres in the fibre mix. [0347]
Mixing the same of different fibres. [0348] Forming a web or felt.
[0349] The superimposition of several non woven fabric layers
manufactured from the same fibre or from a mixture of different
fibres. [0350] Joining one or more layers on non woven fabrics or
joining one or more layers with one or more layers of intermediate
mesh and supports. [0351] Finishes of several different forms of
thermofusion, additives and compounds for different treatments for
special finishes for each application. [0352] Cutting, rolling and
formatting of the non woven fabric or resulting compound. Procedure
1 [0353] Selection of fibres already treated with antibacterial
additives. [0354] Weighing of each and every fibre from the groups
of fibres in the fibre mix. [0355] Mixing the same of different
fibres. [0356] Forming a web or felt. [0357] The superimposition of
several non woven fabric layers manufactured from the same fibre or
from a mixture of different fibres. [0358] Joining one or more
layers on non woven fabrics or joining one or more layers with one
or more layers of intermediate mesh and supports. [0359] Finishes
of several different forms of thermofusion, additives and compounds
for different treatments for special finishes for each application.
[0360] Cutting, rolling and formatting of the non woven fabric or
resulting compound. Procedure 2 [0361] Weighing of fibre or fibres.
[0362] Mixing the fibres. [0363] Feeding the loader using the
volumetric column. [0364] Directing or mixing the fibre or fibres
in a carding machine and forming a web. [0365] Forming a felt by
folding and creasing, or changing the direction of one or more webs
in a cross lapper. [0366] Reducing the thickness of the felt in a
pre-needle puncher (according to the processes). [0367] Needle
punching the felt with one or more needle plates (according to the
processes). [0368] Structuring the felt (according to the
processes). [0369] Calendaring. Thermofixing or induction
(according to the processes). Procedure 3 [0370] Weighing the
already treated fibre or fibres. [0371] Mixing the weighed fibres.
[0372] Feeding into the carding machine. [0373] Directing and
mixing the fibre or fibres in the carding machine forming a web.
[0374] Forming a felt by folding and creasing of one or more webs
in a cross lapper. [0375] Reducing the thickness of the felt in a
pre-needle puncher. [0376] Needle punching the felt with one or
more machines. [0377] Structuring the felt. [0378] Calendaring.
[0379] Rolling and formatting. Procedure 4 [0380] Weighing the
already treated fibre or fibres. [0381] Mixing the weighed fibres.
[0382] Feeding into the carding machine. [0383] Directing and
mixing the fibre or fibres in the carding machine forming a web.
[0384] Forming a felt by folding and creasing of one or more webs
in a cross lapper. [0385] Reducing the thickness of the felt in a
pre-needle puncher. [0386] Needle punching the felt with one or
more machines. [0387] Structuring the felt. [0388] Thermofixing the
non woven fabric. [0389] Rolling and formatting. Procedure 5 [0390]
Weighing the already treated fibre or fibres. [0391] Mixing the
weighed fibres. [0392] Feeding into the carding machine. [0393]
Directing and mixing the fibre or fibres in the carding machine
forming a web. [0394] Forming a felt by folding and creasing of one
or more webs in a cross lapper. [0395] Reducing the thickness of
the felt in a pre-needle puncher. [0396] Needle punching the felt
with one or more machines. [0397] Structuring the felt. [0398]
Inducing the non woven fabric with resins. [0399] Drying. [0400]
Rolling and formatting. Procedure 6 [0401] Weighing the already
treated fibre or fibres. [0402] Mixing the weighed fibres. [0403]
Feeding into the felting machine. [0404] Directing and mixing the
fibre or fibres in the carding machine forming a web. [0405]
Forming the felt by projecting the fibre onto a grid. [0406]
Reducing the thickness of the felt with a thickness regulator.
[0407] Needle punching the felt with one or more machines. [0408]
Thermofixing using calendars, infra-red, hot gas or air. [0409]
Rolling and formatting. Procedure 7 [0410] Weighing the already
treated fibre or fibres. [0411] Mixing the weighed fibres. [0412]
Feeding into the felting machine. [0413] Directing and mixing the
fibre or fibres in the carding machine forming a web. [0414]
Forming the felt by projecting the fibre onto a grid. [0415]
Reducing the thickness of the felt with a thickness regulator.
[0416] Needle punching the felt with one or more machines. [0417]
Thermofixing using calendars, infra-red, hot gas or air. [0418]
Rolling and formatting. Procedure 8 [0419] Mixing chippings from
the first claim with chippings treated with Legionella
anti-bacterials. [0420] Extruding the chippings. [0421] Forming the
fibres in monofilaments or continuous filaments. [0422] Forming a
web. [0423] Forming a felt by projecting the fibre onto a grid.
[0424] Reducing the thickness of the felt with a thickness
regulator. [0425] Needle punching the felt with one or more
machines. [0426] Thermofixing using calendars, infra-red, hot gas
or air. [0427] Rolling and formatting. Procedure 9 [0428] Weighing
the already treated fibre or fibres. [0429] Mixing the weighed
fibres. [0430] Feeding into the felting machine. [0431] Directing
and mixing the fibre or fibres in the carding machine forming a
web. [0432] Forming the felt by disorientating, folding and
creasing one or more webs, in a cross lapper or felting machine.
[0433] Reducing the thickness of the felt. [0434] Sewing the felt
with one or more machines. [0435] Structuring the felt. [0436]
Thermofixing. [0437] Rolling and formatting. Procedure 10 [0438]
Mixing chippings from the first claim with chippings treated with
Legionella anti-bacterials. [0439] Extruding the chippings and/or
fluid mixture. [0440] Injecting the product. [0441] Structuring or
laminating the compound. [0442] Covering or not covering the
treated or untreated non woven fabric. [0443] Calibrating the
thickness of the compound with a thickness regulator. [0444] Drying
and polymerising. [0445] Thermofixing with calendars infra-red, hot
gas or air. [0446] Rolling and formatting. Procedure 11 [0447]
Mixing chippings from the first claim with chippings treated with
Legionella anti-bacterials. [0448] Mixing fluids and solids. [0449]
Injecting the product. [0450] Structuring or laminating the
compound. [0451] Covering or not covering the treated or untreated
non woven fabric. [0452] Calibrating or not calibrating the
thickness of the compound. [0453] Drying and polymerising. [0454]
Thermofixing with calendars infra-red, hot gas or air, etc. [0455]
Formatting and rolling.
[0456] In one of the preferred uses of the patent, according to
patent No. 200402848, the non woven fabrics in the main patent as
well as the filters and/or injected filtration sheets obtained by
the process described and claimed in the same, shall be the purpose
of this additional patent application using products obtained form
copper, zinc and other metal elements (listed above) in percentages
in terms of the application, the main principle of which is the
release of negative and positive ions.
EXAMPLES
[0457] Non woven fabric filters and fabric filters with antiviral,
algaecide, fungicide and bactericide properties claimed in this
patent (Legionella, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeroginosa,
Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Vibrio para hacmolyticus,
Proteus Vulgaris, Salmonella typhimorium, Staphylococcus
epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Burkholderia
cepacia, anthrax, A and B flu virus and Avian flu or acute serious
respiratory syndrome (ASRS), fungus such as Phytophthora cinnamoni)
made in non woven fabrics and woven fabrics from fibres claimed in
this family of patents, treated with compounds or combinations of
compounds listed in this patent, such as: [0458] Anti-Pseudomonas,
Klebsiella, Legionella and Staphylococcus filters made from
synthetic fibres treated with Triclosan and BCD. [0459] Anti A and
b flu filter with ribavirune. [0460] Anti Phytophtora cinnamoni
filter made from natural and synthetic fibre mix treated with
copper compounds. [0461] Anti-algae filters made from synthetic
fibres treated with Tributylestane. [0462] Filters made from fibres
claimed in this family of patents, treated with compounds or
combinations of compounds listed in this family of patents which
interweave and/or combine with sheets and elements designed to
improve the filter's retention properties; [0463] For example:
sandwich filter of several, layers of non woven fabric and woven
fabric resistant to washing preferably between 10-2000 gr/m.sup.2
of polyolephines, one of which includes a specific anti-Legionella
treatment with the addition of one of the substances listed to the
fibre. These substances may include chlorophenols and the second of
which includes an antiviral treatment separated from both bodies by
a plastic body; preceded by a layer of bacteriostatic warp and weft
fabric to retain fats also joined to a plastic body and with a
plastic film with different final porosities to increase the
filter's retention properties. [0464] Drainage and recirculation
system for a percentage of the volume of water in cooling towers,
hot water tanks and others listed in this report, using filters
manufactured using the fibres claimed in this family of patents,
treated with compounds or mixtures of compounds listed in this
family of patents to remove bacteria, algae, viruses, and fungus.
[0465] For example: [0466] Drainage and recirculation system for
water in a drinking water tank comprising a pump and conduits for
drainage and recirculation including the Anti-Pseudomonas,
Klebsiella, Legionella and Staphylococcus filters made from
synthetic fibres described in the first example; resistant to
chemical products used in disinfection (Cl, Cl0.sub.2,
H.sub.2O.sub.2). [0467] The manufacture of garments, curtains and
sheets made from non woven fabrics and woven fabrics in accordance
with the filtration fabrics in this family of patents which are
resistant to washing, dermatologically inert and which do not harm
the environment to be used for cleaning biofilms and/or
installations likely to be infected and/or to be used in risk
situations for example a polyester-cotton mix cloth with metal
compounds. [0468] Geotextile fibre filter claimed in this family of
patents, treated with compounds or mixtures of compounds listed in
this family of patents resistant to washing for the removal of
bacteria, viruses and effluent micro-organisms, aquifers, wells,
river beds and similar, or protection of the same from
micro-organisms; comprising a non woven filtration fabric for
example 100% 500 gr/m.sup.2 polyester fibre with mechanical
properties in accordance with the CEE marks and EN standards.
[0469] Woven fabric and non woven fabric fibre filter claimed in
this family of patents, treated with compounds or mixtures of
compounds listed in this family of patents which also include other
listed compounds which assist in the activity of the same or
improve the function of the fabric; for example 100 gr/m.sup.2 80%
fibres treated with guanidine and 20% treated with anti-foaming
agents. [0470] Woven fabric and non woven fabric impregnation
process through immersion in a bath in which the bactericide effect
comes from impregnating the fibre of the compounds referred to in
this family of patents via another compound; for example, the use
of methylene blue tint impregnation (bactericide) combined with
other bactericides such as benzalkonium. [0471] Non woven fabric
filtering method formed by mixing treated fibres generating
synergetic effects such as; fibres treated with compounds which fix
the micro-organism into the filter, for example, an adhenosine; and
fibres treated with a compound that destroys cellular membranes,
for example isothiazolones. [0472] Personal filtration mask made
from thermoforming non woven fabric from fibres treated with
antibacterial and antiviral compounds claimed in this family of
patents. [0473] Filtration mask comprising a first body with a
shell which protects and covers the mouth and nose, forcing the air
flow through a second body which can form different diameters and
shapes fitting into the first body, offering a biocide function to
the whole set. The filters in this patent are included in this
second body with the configuration required by the relevant EN
standards, with the preferred configuration being a mask comprising
an anti-Legionella filter layer and an anti-flu layer obtained from
treated fibres and filtration layer between plastic material which
may or may not have been treated. [0474] More complex
anti-Legionella filters or filtration mechanisms and/or other anti
bacteria, fungus, virus and algae mechanisms stated in this family
of patents which include woven fabric and non woven fabric filters
claimed in this family of patents, treated with compounds or
mixtures of compounds listed in this family of patents, such as;
[0475] Examples of anti-Legionella cartridge filters: [0476] A
central, cylindrical, micro-perforated body around which a non
woven fabric is wound plus a thread obtained from treated fibres
through which water passes and the contaminants retained. [0477] A
body filled with fibres or moldable non woven fabric with 20%
thermofusible fibre mixed with 80% synthetic fibre treated with
some of the aforementioned compounds. [0478] Cartridge or plate
filters suitable for the different fluid circulation systems.
[0479] Plastic fabric or non woven fabric floating filter which is
buoyant, either through the fabrics themselves or using floatation
systems such as expanded polyethylene fibres claimed in this
patent, treated with compound or a combination of compounds listed
in this family of patents with an anti-biofilm action (bacteria and
algae) in the gas-liquid interfaces, for example polyolephines
treated with a mixture of compounds in this family of patents, for
example, biguanidines plus BCB and tributylestane. [0480] Woven
fabric and non woven fabric fibre filter claimed in this family of
patents, treated with compounds or mixtures of compounds listed in
this family of patents to eliminate biofilms in solid-liquid
interfaces, for example: fabric made from polyester polypropylene
filaments treated with BCD with a layer of plastic mesh to protect
the action of the biofilm in water-liquid interfaces. [0481]
Trenches around trees and wrappings for tree trunks made from woven
fabric and non woven fabric fibre filter claimed in this family of
patents, treated with compounds or mixtures of compounds listed in
this family of patents, fungicides for example: polypropylene and
jute fibres treated with copper compounds to protect "Quercus"
against Phytophthora cinnamomi which is in turn biodegradable
providing nutrients to the soil where it is located. [0482]
Geotextile filters made form woven fabric and non woven fabric
fibre filter claimed in this family of patents, treated with
compounds or mixtures of compounds listed in this family of
patents; for example a mixture of jute and polyolecephines
polyethylene, treated with, for example; metalaxil to prevent
fungus spreading on flower pots and plants. [0483] Filtration
membranes and plates referred to in this family of patents treated
with compounds listed in this family of patents such as: [0484]
Homogenous filtration membrane made from treated cellulose acetate
on a cellulose support forming a regular porosity membrane. [0485]
Plates obtained by mixing decoloured wood cellulose, cotton fibres,
activated diatomeas, polyethylene synthetic fibres and a binding
product. [0486] Filters made by mixing polypropylene and cellulose
acetate with phenolic compounds plus activated carbon fibres to
enhance the adhesion of the bacteria with the filtration medium.
[0487] Membranes for dialysis equipment with an anti-bacterial and
anti-viral treatment.
[0488] Having described this invention in sufficient detail with
the attached diagrams for this invention and not being restricted
to the same, this description is for information and illustrative
purposes but does not limit the same whenever the flowing claims
are met.
* * * * *